FIRST FORMATION / S.2018

Teach me your way O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

First Formation classes teach and guide us to follow after Christ. In today’s culture there are so many ways that people may go, yet He tells us that He is the way. It is His way that we strive to go, and it is only through His truths that we will truly be able to follow Him.

His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. When we spend consistent time in His Word, we begin to develop an undivided heart, not like a double-minded man who is unstable in all he does. God’s Word and His teaching strengthens our walk and gives us a spirit of awe and praise for who He is. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom… wisdom to walk in the truth.

I want to challenge you to consider this spiritual growth exercise of participating in a First Formation class this semester. Walking in your truth...

— René Maciel, Community Life Pastor

TRACK I: CHRISTIAN LIVING

Conquer Series -led by George Staples

Discerning the Voice of God -led by Melodie Robison

Every Man’s Battle -led by George Staples

Forming a Christian World View -led by Maria Boccia

Gospel of John-Part IV -led by Dr. Ted Foley

Introduction to Group Spiritual Formation -led by Angie Evilia

The Dwelling: A Study and Community for Moms -led by Mary Carpenter

The Patriarchs -led by Jan Gilbert

War in the Heavenlies: Principals of Spiritual Warfare -led by Dr. Wes Wellborn

TRACK II: COMMUNITY LEARNING

Christian Writers’ Workshop -led by Reita Hawthorne

Navigating Your Finances God’s Way -led by Al Childs

Beginning Computing -led by Latisha Dixon

Kingdom Care: Coming Alongside Those Struggling with Mental Health Challenges -led by Bonnie Goree

Spanish with a Mission: Second Semester -led by Alex Vaughan

first formation groups spring.18

Conquer SeriesLed by George Staples - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sundays at 6:30 pm (Begins April 8)5 WeeksMen OnlyCost: $15 workbook - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Real men across the country are rising up to become more than conquerors through Christ. This 5-week discipleship curriculum provides insights from top Christian leaders who lay out biblical strategies and scientific facts to teach men how to use God’s weapons to become conquerors over pornography and find freedom. It’s all about heart transformation. Each class session will include a one-hour video and discussion.

Discerning the Voice of GodLed by Melodie Robison - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wednesdays at 5:50 pm12 weeksWomen OnlyCost: $15.00 workbook - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Women’s Bible Study (with video and alternating discussion weeks) on Discerning the Voice of God.Discover the root to clear and daily communication with God—humble obedience. Learn how surrender unlocks His many blessings intended for us, centers us in His will, and helps us discern His voice in everyday life.

track 1: christian living

Every Man’s BattleLed by George Staples - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wednesdays at 6:00 pm9 weeksMen onlyCost: $15 workbook - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From movies and television, to print media and the Internet, men are constantly faced with the assault of sensual images. It is impossible to avoid such temptations but, thankfully, not impossible to confront them and gain victory over them! Millions have found Every Man’s Battle a great resource for overcoming the struggle and remaining strong in the face of temptation.

This study shares the stories of dozens who have escaped the trap of sexual immorality and presents a practical, detailed plan for any man who desires sexual integrity or any dad who wants to understand the subject better to guide his sons toward sexual integrity.

Both the book and a weekly video will be used in this 9-lesson course.

Forming a Christian World ViewLed by Maria Boccia - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Wednesdays at 6:00 pm8 weeksCost: Free - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Everyone has a worldview. It is like the water in which a fish swims. We all have assumptions about how the world works and these assumptions control how we view information, what we assume about reality, and how we decide on principles for living.

A worldview answers the big questions: Who am I? Where did I come from? How do I know? Where am I going? How then should I behave? There are a number of different ways to answer these questions.

In this eight week course, we will explore the answers given to these questions by our Christian faith and compare that with other ways of understanding the world. It is hoped that by the end of the course, attendees will have a clear sense of their own worldview and be able to align it with their understanding of our biblical faith.

Gospel of John, Part IVJohn 17:1 - John 21:25Led by Dr. Ted Foley- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wednesdays at 6:00 pm10 weeksCost: Free- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - As we begin our study in this section of the Gospel of John, Jesus and His disciples have departed the Upper Room and are approaching the Garden of Gethsemane. It is after midnight. Jesus is preparing to begin His High Priestly prayer to the Father on behalf of the apostles and to all believers who would ever call Him Christ. Jesus prays that all of His promises of peace, love, and joy (Chapters 13-16) would be fulfilled.

It is perhaps only minutes before Judas, the betrayer, brings the leaders of Israel to arrest Jesus. After the arrest comes the first and second Jewish trials before Annas and the High Priest, Caiaphas. Then we follow Jesus as He endures the first and second Roman trials before Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea.

Verse by verse we examine the arrest, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Our study ends

with several appearances that Christ made to His disciples following His resurrection and concludes with Jesus’ encounter with Simon Peter, “Do you love me?”

Introduction to Group Spiritual FormationLed by Angie Evilia- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wednesdays at 6:00 pm9 weeksCost: $10 workbook- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you feel like you’re just “going through the motions” in your relationship with God? Do you want to know better how the Holy Spirit is working in your life, but aren’t sure where to start? Would you like to seek these things with a small group of others who are also wanting to follow Jesus Christ to the best of their abilities?

Group Spiritual Formation is an excellent place to begin this journey. Together we will pursue spiritual growth through balance, growth in knowledge, and mutual encouragement and accountability. Using “A Spiritual Formation Workbook” as our guideline, and scripture as our foundation, we will practice six traditions seen in the history of the Church, which are founded upon six major areas of discipline from the life of Jesus Christ.

The PatriarchsLed by Jan Gilbert- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Monday Mornings at 9:00 am10 weeksWomen onlyCost: $15 workbook- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Delve deep into the heart of Genesis 12-50, and discover God’s remarkable pursuit of relationship with us, and the unfolding of His earthly plan: that through one nation, and One Man, all people on earth would be blessed.

War in the Heavenlies: Principles of Spiritual WarfareLed by Dr. Wes Wellborn- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wednesday at 6:00 pm11 weeksCost: Free- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There is a real enemy and a real battle in the world today. You don’t have to simply endure; you can fight back. This class will help you understand, prepare for, and engage in spiritual warfare for yourself, your family, and your world.

This group will begin as a nine week program, with the option of continuing afterward. If this sounds like what you’ve been looking for, or if you’re even a little intrigued, please consider joining us for a new approach to discipleship.

The Dwelling: A Study and Community for MomsLed by Mary Carpenter- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Monday Mornings from 9:00 – 11:00 am (Begins Jan. 22)12 weeksWomen OnlyCost: $10 for guest speaker costs- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Dwelling is a place for moms to rest in God’s promises and be affirmed that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Each week we will focus on hearing God’s voice by studying His Word, but also through sharing our struggles and God’s triumphs in a real, transparent environment.

Childcare registration is required by January 16. Register online at bit.ly/firstformation2018.

Christian Writers’ Workshop Kick-off- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -One Day Only: Saturday January 279:00 am - 12:00 pmCost: Adults $20, Students $5- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Featured Guest Speaker: Lena Nelson Dooley, a multi-published, award-winning author whose topics will include Applying the Father’s Help Writing, and Comparison Equals Discouragement. Tickets are required for this one day event, and may be purchased online at firstwoodway.org/cww, or by calling the church office at 254.772.9696.

Christian Writers’ WorkshopLed by Reita Hawthorne- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Wednesdays at 6:00 pm11 weeksCost: Free- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Christian Writers’ Workshop is dedicated to bringing you great speakers from the front lines of today’s writer’s market. They come fully prepared to discuss writing

techniques, style, what editors want, and how to write for the Christian marketplace.

During the eleven Wednesday evening sessions of 2018, you will hear award-winning authors and speakers sharing their secrets to writing the winning poem, novel, memoir, or article. Speaker sessions begin at 6:00 pm and conclude at 7:00 pm; however, discussion and editing groups may continue afterwards. Be sure to take advantage of all the wonderful resources CWW 2018 offers!

Navigating Your Finances God’s WayLed by Al Childs- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Wednesdays at 6:00 pm9 weeksCost:  $17.99 for eWorkbook at www.compassebooks.org- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Practical personal financial management based on biblical principals.

track 11: community learning

Beginning Computing: Technology Basics & TipsLed By Latisha Dixon - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Wednesdays at 6:00 pm6 WeeksCost: Free- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -When it comes to technology there are very few resources that provide a general overview of how it all works. Join this class and you’ll learn how to change the way technology impacts your life.

Come learn:* How to protect your computer, tablet and phone* How to get rid of those annoying notifications* How to turn off the location services on your device

We will also cover the basics of setting up your computer, laptop, phone, and social media. If you know what a gigabyte is, then this class is not for you. If you don’t know, then come find out!

Kingdom Care: Coming Alongside Those Struggling with Mental Health ChallengesLed by Bonnie Goree- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Wednesdays at 6:00 pm8 weeksCost: Free- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -This group is designed to educate and provide support to friends and family members of people suffering from mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. Participants will learn about mental health, gain practical skills for coming alongside those suffering from mental health challenges, and receive Christ-centered encouragement within a supportive community.

Spanish with a Mission: Second SemesterLed by: Alex Vaughan- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Wednesdays at 6:00 pm12 weeks- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -This is a continuation of a Fall class. Please speak with the instructor regarding starting this class if you were not enrolled in the Fall 2017 class.

  How Do I Sign Up?Online: www.firstwoodway.org/firstformationVia the First Woodway App, under Sign UpAt the First Formation Preview, Sunday, January 7, 2018Call the church office: 254.772.9696

Midweek Schedule (Spring 2018 semester starts January 17) 5:00 pm Wednesday Night Meal

6:00 pm First Formation Groups, Good Soil (Wed Night Service) & Children’s ROOTED Discipleship

6:30 pm Jr. High Prime Time

7:00 pm High School WNL & Adult Worship Choir Rehearsal

Community Life Ministry StaffRene Maciel, Community Life Pastor rmaciel@firstwoodway.org

Tracy Wallace, Ministry Assistanttwallace@firstwoodway.org

contact registerQuestions?

Feel free to contact the church office or email us.

First Woodway Baptist Church101 N. Ritchie Road

Woodway, Texas 76712

Phone: 254.772.9696Email: info@firstwoodway.org

Website: www.firstwoodway.org

2018 Topic:CULTS AND COUNTERFEIT GOSPELSFacilitated by Rene MacielFriday April 20, 20186:00 pm - Midnight (or later)

WHAT IS SECRET CHURCH?Secret Church is our version of “house church” where we meet periodically for an intense time of Bible study—lasting 6+ hours—including a time of prayer for our brothers and sisters across the globe who are facing persecution and for those who still have not heard the gospel.

THIS YEAR’S TOPICThe apostle Paul was astonished that some followers of Christ in his day were “turning to a different gospel,” and he pleaded with them not to be deceived by those who wanted to “distort the gospel of Christ.” These warnings given to the church in the first century are just as relevant today for the church in the twenty-first century.

For the good of our souls and for the sake of the church’s mission, followers of Christ need to ask, “What false gospels are being taught today?” and “How can I recognize the true gospel among so many counterfeits?” Answering these questions will be the aim of Secret Church 18: CULTS AND COUNTERFEIT GOSPELS.

We will consider the claims of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and other groups that claim to teach the truth. We will also explore more subtle distortions of the gospel, including prosperity teaching that is rampant across the church. In the end, our goal is to walk away from this Secret Church not only enabled to discern false gospels, but also equipped to share the true gospel with people around us and with peoples around the world.

Registration is free and will be made available later in the spring.

 

secret church 2018